Mixed method study on acculturative stress and help seeking behaviour among Asian International students in Manila

• Main Author: Kalathananickal, Bijimol, Sr.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3798
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study investigates the acculturative stress and help-seeking behavior among Asian international students using the concurrent triangulation mixed method research design. The Phase 1 survey of 140 Asian international students between 16 to 25 years of age from different universities was examined. The findings showed that students experiencing moderate level of acculturative stress and their help-seeking behavior are low. Stigma tolerance, confidence in mental health professionals were identified as significant in predicting help-seeking behavior. Extroversion is the only predictor among the five personality traits for help-seeking behavior among Asian international students. Eight international students (four highly stressed and four lower stressed) participated in the in-depth interviews during Phase 2. A qualitative analysis of open-ended questions showed that the main reasons for acculturative stress among Asian international students are cultural differences, academic stress, and interpersonal stress. Family/cultural and personal values and beliefs strongly influence attempts to seek professional help. The study also finds that the actual help-seeking behaviors of the students are informal rather than formal. The study also presented the implications of the results. More future studies aimed at developing programs and counseling interventions for the international students are also proposed.